Evaluating cognitive and emotional aspects of dystonia

Study of Behavioral Dysfunctions and Related Neuronal Correlates in Patients With Dystonia

Not applicable Interventional IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo · NCT06264063

This study is testing how the thinking and feeling aspects of dystonia relate to changes in brain function by comparing brain activity in people with dystonia to those without it.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment102 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo Academic / other
Locations1 site (Messina)
Trial IDNCT06264063 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the cognitive and affective dimensions of dystonia, a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions. It aims to explore the relationship between these non-motor symptoms and alterations in brain function, particularly focusing on the fronto-striatal circuits. Participants will undergo neuroimaging and cognitive assessments to identify potential neuronal correlates of their symptoms. The study includes both a control group and an experimental group to compare EEG power in the alpha band.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old diagnosed with dystonia who can provide informed consent and have a Montreal cognitive assessment score above 21.

Not a fit: Patients with specific forms of cervical dystonia, sensory-motor deficits affecting assessment, or contraindications to MRI may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of dystonia and lead to improved treatment strategies that address both motor and non-motor symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored various aspects of dystonia, this specific focus on cognitive and affective dimensions in relation to neuroimaging is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* \> 18 years old;
* Informed consent;
* Montreal cognitive assessment \> 21;

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with cervical dystonia with anterocollis spasm;
* Sensory-motor deficits that can hinder neuropsychological assessment
* Contraindications to performing Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Where this trial is running

Messina

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions DystoniaNeurologic DisorderNEUROSCIENCE
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.